Policy Changes Research Articles

Advocacy groups, policy subsidies, and policy change: The case of teacher evaluations

Advocacy groups, policy subsidies, and policy change: The case of teacher evaluations

How Negative Media Coverage Impacts Platform Governance: Evidence from Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

ABSTRACT Social media companies wield considerable power over what people can say and do online, with consequences for freedom of expression and participation in digital culture. Yet we still know little about the factors that shape these companies’ policy decisions. Drawing on data collected from mainstream English-language news sources between 2005-2021 and on a novel dataset of policy documents from the Platform Governance Archive (PGA), we investigate the extent to which policy change at Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube is responsive to negative news coverage. We find that sustained negative coverage significantly predicts changes to platforms’ user policies, highlighting the role of public pressure in shaping the governance of online platforms.

Modern Religious Movements: Female Scholars as Agents of Change

This research examines the role of female clerics as agents of change in modern religious movements in the Muslim world. Using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, this study identifies, evaluates, and summarizes findings from various studies regarding the contribution of female ulama in encouraging social change, education, and religious policy. Data was collected from various databases indexed by Scopus, Eric, and Google Scholar, covering the publication period 2010-2024 using the PRISMA technique. Of the 301 articles, 40 were selected as research data. The findings show that female ulama play an important role in promoting inclusive religious understanding, fighting for women's rights, and developing progressive Islamic education. They also challenge traditional norms and influence religious policies to be more responsive to contemporary issues. However, female ulama face various challenges, including socio-cultural barriers. This research concludes that female ulama have significant potential as agents of change, but further support is needed to overcome the challenges they face.

The governance of the water-energy nexus: Co-produced narratives to take stock and address energy dependencies of the urban water cycle in Atlantic Europe

Water and energy (WE) are key resources to support human well-being and are highly interconnected. Intensifying demands of both resources and increasing resource scarcity are exacerbating their interconnectedness and calling for the adoption of an integrated approach called “WE nexus”. This paper explores the barriers and opportunities to govern the WE nexus in the Urban Water Cycle (UWC), particularly, the energy dependencies of the water supply and sanitation services in Atlantic Europe, through the assessment of four contrasting and representative regions: Canary Islands (ES), Western Andalusia (ES), Alentejo (PT) and Brittany (FR). We applied a “Quantitative Story Telling (QST)” method to assess the discourses from 49 stakeholders from across the four regions on WE nexus challenges and opportunities in the UWC, and the evidence that exists on them. The result is a pluralistic narrative incorporating the views of different stakeholders on what are the issues at stake and why, what needs to be done and how, and sustained by available data. The resulting narrative explores the formal aspects underpinning WE nexus governance in the UWC, but also informal rules linked to political economy. Our results revealed that WE nexus challenges are context-specific, however, there are important commonalities across regions and phases of the UWC value chain, suggesting that these are relevant at the Atlantic Europe scale. QST is not instrumental in directly inducing policy change or decision-making, but might be a valuable means for knowledge mobilization to question and enrich the quality of dominant discourses, and thus paving the road for action towards sustainability.

Charter school reform in Abu Dhabi: policy borrowing, translation and frenemies

ABSTRACT This research investigates the implementation of charter schools in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the effects of this policy change on education workers. Operation by for-profit education management organisations shifts the government policy on UAE national students, changing the education governance of the government system to be more like that of local international schools. This research aimed to understand the reform based on the experiences of charter school administrators, schoolteachers, charter operator managers, and other stakeholders. The main findings relate to policy translation, policy mobilities, and the complexity of the relationship between for-profit school operators and the government regulator. The importance of this research is understanding how a government school system can be subsumed by an entirely private, for-profit education system.

Simulation of Optimization Decision Model for Low-carbon Economy Schemes Based on Machine Learning Algorithms

Low-carbon economy (LCE) is a shift from high-carbon intensive industries and activities to low-emission or zero-emission industries and activities, which requires a lot of investment in new technologies and infrastructure, as well as changes in policies and regulations to promote sustainability and reduce emissions. In this article, the back propagation neural network (BPNN) algorithm in machine learning (ML) is applied to the construction of low-carbon economic scheme optimization decision model, and the performance of the model is simulated and tested. The results show that BPNN algorithm has higher accuracy and reliability in predicting the development level of LCE, which is 23.8% higher than Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm. Through the comparative study of BPNN algorithm and SVM algorithm in forecasting the development level of LCE, the advantages of BPNN algorithm in forecasting accuracy and application value are verified. BPNN algorithm can better adapt to and deal with the complex data patterns in the field of LCE, improve the accuracy and reliability of prediction, and provide strong technical support and guarantee for the growth of LCE.

Real-world cost-effectiveness of panel-based genomic testing to inform therapeutic decisions for metastatic colorectal cancer

BackgroundMutations in KRAS and NRAS are associated with a lack of response to cetuximab and panitumumab, two biologics used for third-line therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In British Columbia, Canada, eligibility for cetuximab or panitumumab was first based on single-gene KRAS testing. OncoPanel, a multi-gene next-generation sequencing panel with both KRAS and NRAS, was introduced in 2016. Our objective was to estimate the real-world cost-effectiveness of OncoPanel versus to single-gene KRAS testing to inform eligibility for cetuximab or panitumumab in mCRC. MethodsUsing population-based administrative health data, we identified a cohort of mCRC patients who had received a KRAS or OncoPanel test, and completed prior chemotherapy in 2010–2019. We matched KRAS- and OncoPanel-tested patients (1:1) using genetic matching to balance baseline covariates. Mean and incremental 3-year costs, survival, and quality-adjusted survival were estimated using inverse-probability-of-censoring weighting and bootstrapping. We conducted scenario-based sensitivity analysis for key costs and assumptions. FindingsAll OncoPanel-tested cases (n=371) were matched to a KRAS-tested comparator. In the KRAS and OncoPanel groups, respectively, 55·8 % and 41·2 % of patients were potentially eligible for cetuximab or panitumumab based on mutation status. Incremental cost and effectiveness of OncoPanel were $72 (95 % CI: −6387, 6107), −0·004 life-years (95 % CI: −0·119, 0·113), and −0·011 quality-adjusted life-years (95 % CI: −0·094, 0·075). Reductions in systemic therapy costs were offset by increased costs in other resources. Results were moderately sensitive to time horizon and changes in testing or treatment cost. InterpretationThe use of OncoPanel resulted in more precise targeting of cetuximab and panitumumab, but there was no change in incremental cost or quality-adjusted survival. Understanding the balance of costs achieved in practice can provide insight into the effect of future changes in testing policy, test cost, treatment eligibility, or drug prices in this setting.

Exploring the eternal struggle: The Narrative Policy Framework and status quo versus policy change

Exploring the eternal struggle: The Narrative Policy Framework and status quo versus policy change

Contextual drivers on local sport promotion policy: a Dutch case study on the relevance of the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to explore why and how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced local sport promotion policy in the Netherlands. We used a case study approach examining the Dutch context. We studied the perspectives of Local Sport Managers (LSMs) and (coordinators of) neighbourhood sport coaches (NSCs). We applied the principles of the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) within a socioecological model of local sport promotion policy to examine whether the COVID-19 pandemic created a ‘policy window’ for policy change and if so why. Online questionnaires were sent to LSMs (n = 352, response 26%) and online group interviews (n = 11) were conducted with LSMs and (coordinators of) NSCs. Our study revealed the COVID-19 pandemic indeed opened a ‘policy window’ and resulted in local policy changes related to the facilities and public space (hardware), organisational actors (orgware) and organised activities (software). In most cases, this did not lead to totally new policy, but more a shift in focus. National politics as a response on the COVID-19 pandemic increased the generic awareness of the importance of sport for health. This helped in legitimising the existence of sport promotion policy for a broader purpose. It is important for LSMs and NSCs to take advantage of this ‘policy window’ and use it to create advocacy and support for sport promotion policy over a longer period. As policy change and implementation normally take a period of multiple years, the current Dutch policy framework provides (financial) opportunities for LSMs and NSCs to follow this through.

Mental Health in South Georgia: Another Area of Disadvantage for an Underserved Region, but Pandemic-Related Policy Changes Suggest Pathways Forward

Mental Health in South Georgia: Another Area of Disadvantage for an Underserved Region, but Pandemic-Related Policy Changes Suggest Pathways Forward

“What Do They Say in Mosques? Islamic Discourse on Limiting Ritual Expenses”

This article examines the changes in religious policy, Islamic beliefs, religious life, national values, and family rituals in Uzbekistan during the years of independence. Particularly, it analyzes a series of fatwas, guidelines, and theses on Friday prayer topics published by the Office of Muslims of Uzbekistan in recent years. The author substantiates the amalgamation of religious and national perspectives in Uzbek family rituals, encompassing childbirth, marriage, and mourning ceremonies, drawing on ethnographic materials. Furthermore, it delves into the views of Islamic scholars and imams concerning the reduction of specific expenses and extravagances in these rituals, citing examples from Friday prayers and various social networks. Through anthropological observations of modern Uzbek society, including Muslims' public activities, Friday prayers, neighborhoods, and community events, as well as through various TV talk shows and radio broadcasts, the article explores "Aqiqa" ceremonies, circumcision weddings, marriages, and mourning rituals conducted by Uzbek imams in matters of family and marriage. The author highlights the discussions of "Amru Ma'ruf" topics during ceremonies, widely debated on mosque websites, imams' pages, and social media platforms (Telegram, Facebook, Instagram). The article underscores the impact of Islamic scholars' and imams' ongoing efforts, noting changes in the balance of expenses in the ceremonial life of the Uzbek people, particularly evident in marriage ceremonies. Moreover, it analyzes changes and transformative processes in Uzbek family rituals from the perspective of ritual economy.

Social policy in a political vacuum: Women's experiences of hunger during the Cost‐of‐Living Crisis in Northern Ireland

AbstractBetween 2022 and 2024, there was no devolved government functioning in Northern Ireland. This protracted absence of government occurred in the aftermath of the Covid‐19 pandemic and during what is arguably the worst economic crisis of recent years. Women are more vulnerable to hardship during economic crisis and thus it is unsurprising that the Cost‐of‐Living Crisis is hitting women hardest. This paper examines increasing food insecurity for women in Northern Ireland and the implications for the realisation of their human right to an adequate standard of living. The UK Government has ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which provides a legal duty to ensure that everyone has adequate access to food. However, increasing numbers of food banks and ill health related to insufficient food intake indicates that there is a fundamental problem. This article draws on 20 focus groups with 250 women on a low‐income to explore their experiences of the Cost‐of‐Living Crisis in Northern Ireland. The research found that women routinely skipped meals; described feelings of shame and guilt associated with struggling to feed their children; and discussed difficulties associated with purchasing food. Much of the pain associated with the hunger experienced by these women and children is hidden within the private sphere of the home. This article intends to shine a light on women's experiences and will reflect on the necessary policy change required to ensure compliance with international human rights obligations.

The impact of refinancing transaction policy adjustment on stock market volatility

This paper investigates the impact of refinancing transaction policy adjustment on the volatility of convertible bond market. Through GARCH model analysis, it is found that the refinancing policy adjustment significantly affects the spillover effect between CSI 300 index and CSI convertible bond index, indicating that the policy adjustment leads to differences in the speed of market reaction to common information and the degree of change in yield, which reflects the market's sensitivity to the policy change as well as the adaptability of market participants. The empirical results show that the convertible bond market has a significant dynamic impact on the stock market during the policy adjustment period, accompanied by the improvement of market efficiency, which supports the hypothesis that the refinancing policy adjustment has a significant impact on the spillover effect between the two markets.

What changes over time? Planning history and institutional change from a policy design perspective

ABSTRACT Since the call to take the analytical and theoretical values of historical institutionalism seriously, planning history research has emphasized the enduring legacies of critical moments that structure the developmental pathways of urban institutions, whose changes tend to appear incremental in the long run. Yet, most of this work is less conscious about deliberate – although not always successful – considerations by policy actors in formulating policies and conflates changes in institutional arrangements with changes in policy effects. This article fills these gaps from a policy design perspective, explaining the changing policy effects of the same institutional arrangements over time through design processes such as layering. To this end, it introduces Vienna's participatory urban renewal model, Soft Urban Renewal, highlighting its context-bound design space in which policy actors choose and rearrange existing instruments according to shifting policy objectives and circumstances. Two cases of Soft Urban Renewal from two different points in time are chosen to cross-compare their varying capacities to influence its real-world effect under different contextual constraints. It concludes with some final remarks on the ways in which a policy design perspective can contribute to the current debate on planning history research and comparative-historical analysis of cities and their institutions and policies.

Ageing risks in four Asian Tigers: global health crisis and implications for productive welfare regimes

PurposeThis article focuses on the continuity and changes in the Productive Welfare Regimes and investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic and population ageing can influence the established systems in Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.Design/methodology/approachOur research is based on document review, investigating intricate situations with numerous aspects and providing an excellent opportunity for innovation and examining theoretical presumptions in welfare regime theory, as well as exploring the complicated policy trajectories that varies among cases.FindingsOur findings reveal that social policy responses to COVID-19 have been characterized by adopting the market-conforming role of social policy for the elderly. This is shown by many policy measures focusing on self-sufficiency and an active labour market, signalling that the COVID-19 pandemic and population ageing pressure here are viewed as an economic issue over social rights. The economic-first was adopted to maintain their proximity to the global economy as key sources of their social policy development. We can conclude by emphasizing that the responses to COVID-19 have exposed deficiencies in certain existing social policies. Yet, they have not been sufficient to catalyse substantial policy changes across domains where such change had not already been initiated, thus allowing welfare regimes to remain within productivist boundaries.Originality/valueThis study responds to the current debate on the welfare regime continuity and adaptation in East Asia and suggests a new perspective of policy process in the times of insecurity.

Enhancing entrepreneurial intention in secondary school

Purpose: The literature reveals that emerging markets experience high unemployment rates. However, tertiary institutions continue to chant out a large number of graduates, increasing the rate of unemployment. Regardless of the tertiary institutions introducing entrepreneurship education, graduates continue to seek employment instead of creating it. This study analyses the introduction of entrepreneurship education in secondary schools to create entrepreneurship intentions in students. Research Methodology: The researcher adopted an interpretative paradigm that advocates a qualitative approach. The study face-to-face interviewed 17 head teachers from secondary schools in the Mashonaland West Province. This study thematically deduces entrepreneurship teaching methods, entrepreneurship content, and entrepreneurship assessment methods as sub-concepts that, if implemented, lead to entrepreneurship intention. Results: The researcher established that entrepreneurship education leads to entrepreneurship intentions if introduced in secondary schools. However, it requires commitment from policy designers and implementers to achieve the intended goals. This study recommends the adoption of entrepreneurship education based on a funding model supported by stakeholders, including financial institutions and the government. Limitations: The study had a methodological limitation in that the sample size was small (17 head teachers). Contributions: This study contributes to educational policy changes through the introduction of entrepreneurship education and its curriculum. Novelty: This study analyzed the implementation of entrepreneurship education in secondary schools as a vehicle to solve the unemployment challenge.

Impact of policy change on late-term abortion: a two-decade analysis.

Advances in ultrasound and molecular genetics have changed the field of late termination of pregnancy (LTOP), sparking ethical debates worldwide. In 2007, Israel updated its LTOP policies, requiring a 30% or higher probability of severe handicap for approval of LTOP after 24weeks' gestation. In this retrospective study, we compared LTOP indications and approval rates before (Group 1: 1998-2007) and after (Group 2: 2008-2021) this policy change. Shamir medical records from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2021 were examined and yielded 4047 abortions, of which 248 were identified as LTOP preformed after 24weeks' gestation. These cases were then categorized into two groups. Data including maternal age, obstetric history, indications for abortion, diagnosis, week of termination, and genetic/sonographic findings were analyzed. The approval rates and indications pre- and post-policy change were compared. Group 1 (LTOP 1998-2007) comprised 95 cases (10.6%), and Group 2 (LTOP 2008-2021) was composed of 153 cases (4.9%). Fetal structural anomalies remained the dominant indication for both groups (67.4 and 65.3%, respectively), with a slight increase in confirmed genetic anomalies from 26.3% (Group 1) to 28% (Group 2). Our findings indicate a decrees in the proportion per year from 10.6 to 4.9% LTOP. Technological advances in genetic evaluation and sonography may have contributed to the early increased detection and decrees in cases reaching LTOP. These results highlight the importance of ongoing ethical reviews and adherence to strict protocols for early detection and termination before 24weeks' gestation.

Highlighting the South Asian Heart Failure Epidemic

Heart failure (HF) remains a progressive syndrome with high morbidity and mortality, and accounts for many hospitalisations globally with a downstream impact of increasing healthcare costs. South Asian individuals account for most of the global burden of non-communicable diseases. In this systematic review, a literature search was performed for all studies focusing on South Asians and HF using PubMed as the primary research tool and citations were included from relevant MEDLINE-indexed journals. Upon identification of relevant studies, pertinent data points were extracted systematically from each eligible study. South Asians have an earlier age of onset of many non-communicable diseases compared to other ethnic groups worldwide, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Given the large number of South Asians impacted by CVD and both traditional and non-traditional risk factors for CVD, HF has the potential to become an epidemic among South Asians across the world. Individuals of South Asian origin are at elevated risk for CVD compared to many other populations and should be followed closely for the potential development of HF. This review describes what is unique to South Asian individuals at risk for and with established HF, as well as management and prognostic considerations. Future directions and potential policy changes are highlighted that can reduce the HF burden among South Asians globally.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination by Birth Fiscal Year in Japan

The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan aggregates human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination data across Japan for each fiscal year (FY) by age at vaccination. Birth FY (BFY)-specific vaccination coverage remains unknown. To calculate the BFY-specific vaccination coverage for each FY and the cumulative first-dose coverage for each BFY in Japan, to understand the generation-specific vaccination coverage, and to estimate the cumulative first-dose coverage of each BFY that would be achieved by FY 2028 vs World Health Organization (WHO) targets. In this cross-sectional study, MHLW-published national age-specific HPV vaccination numbers and demographic data for female individuals were used to calculate the BFY-specific first-dose coverage for each FY and the BFY-specific cumulative first-dose coverage. It was assumed that the BFYs 2007 to 2012 vaccination coverage in FY 2023 to 2028 would remain the same as the vaccination coverage of the same grade in FY 2022 to estimate the cumulative first-dose coverage that would be achieved by FY 2028. Data analysis was performed from December 2023 to January 2024. Two MHLW policy changes were the government's suspension of proactive recommendation for HPV vaccination in June 2013 and the government's resumption of proactive recommendation for HPV vaccination in April 2022. The primary outcome was generation-specific vaccination coverage among female individuals born in BFYs 1994 to 2010 in FYs 2010 to 2022, calculated using reconfigured published data. In this study of vaccination data for 9 414 620 female individuals, the generation-specific vaccination coverage was 71.96% for the vaccination generation (BFYs 1994-1999), 4.62% for the vaccine-suspension generation (BFYs 2000-2003), 16.16% for the generation that received information individually (BFYs 2004-2009), and 2.83% for the vaccine-resumed generation (BFY 2010). HPV routine vaccination coverage was extremely low in BFYs 2000 to 2010 (0.84%-25.21%) vs BFYs 1994 to 1999 (53.31%-79.47%). The cumulative first-dose coverage that was estimated to be achieved in the vaccine-resumed generation by FY 2028 plateaued at 43.16%. Even after the resumption of MHLW's proactive recommendations, HPV vaccination coverage has only minimally recovered in Japan. The cumulative first-dose coverage that was estimated to be achieved in the vaccine-resumed generation by FY 2028 is below the WHO target. These findings reveal that stronger cervical cancer control measures are required, particularly for the vaccine-resumed generation, which will plateau at approximately one-half the WHO target values.

Beyond Boundaries Uniting Internal Medicine and Surgery in Patient Care - A Narrative Synthesis

Introduction:The evolving landscape of healthcare necessitates the integration of internal medicine and surgery to address complex patient needs comprehensively. Traditional boundaries between these disciplines are increasingly blurred, prompting a holistic approach to patient care.Objective:This narrative review aims to synthesize current literature on the integration of internal medicine and surgery, exploring collaborative models, integrated care pathways, technological advancements, and interdisciplinary initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.Methods:A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using keywords and MeSH terms related to internal medicine, surgery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient outcomes. Inclusion criteria included 30 articles discussing integrated care models and their impact on patient outcomes, published in English between 2009 and 2024. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, key findings, and outcomes. Results:The review identified several collaborative frameworks, such as multidisciplinary teams and perioperative surgical homes, which improved diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and patient satisfaction. Integrated care pathways demonstrated effectiveness in managing chronic diseases and complex surgical cases. Technological advancements, including EHRs and telemedicine, facilitated seamless communication and data sharing. Challenges to integration included institutional silos, cultural differences, and time constraints, but these were mitigated through interdisciplinary training and policy incentives.Conclusions:Integrating internal medicine and surgery enhances patient care by leveraging the combined expertise of both fields. Overcoming barriers through technological innovations, education, and policy changes is crucial. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, patient engagement, and the role of personalized medicine in integrated care